Thorstein Veblen's The Theory of the Leisure Class provides an interesting non-Marxist analysis of class in America, even if it rests on defunct Anthropology. By eschewing economic analysis in favor of a sociological, cultural analysis, Veblen finds a way to fit tradition and social continuity into a view of class that appears pretty organic and reasonable. Additionally, Edwin pointed out how interesting it is that Veblen connects property ownership to patriarchy and the oppression of women. All in all, this account is forward thinking and has a lot to offer us a century after its publication.
However, I have a really hard time getting past Veblen's lack of historical facts and faulty anthropology. Not only does he provide very little case study of different social groups, he generalizes far too much for me to be comfortable with his analysis of non-agricultural peoples. But his work has a certain common sense appeal that addresses a key hole in economic theories of society: why are there so many people in a given society that don't do anything? Even from a classically marxist perspective, it is difficult to see how domination originates in society. We inevitably wind up in the 18th century with a mysterious proletariat ready for work in the factory. The introduction of cultural and physical power (rather than pure monetary power) allows a reasonable explanation of the origins of social inequality. By following Veblen's logic, we can see how culture becomes a powerful agent of social control and an outward display of status.
"We inevitably wind up in the 18th century with a mysterious proletariat ready for work in the factory."
ReplyDeletelol i <3 you, Luke.